Illusion of Stars

Kestra

Good story. Bad writing.

"Let me say this first, I did very much enjoy the book, the story was good and the characters felt very realistic. It was refreshing. The premise of this book is why I read it, a cleaner romantasy with a humble and soft heroine thrusted into a pivotal role of a plot much bigger than her. That's my jam. Sadly I was slapped early on by a jarring introduction of a narrative and repeatedly afterwards by said narrative that did not match the storytelling and broke the flow altogether. It is a writing style that screamed of trying too hard to be poetic and impactful but failed when the immersion was broken by the sudden shift of storytelling to poetry for one sentence then back to storytelling. Don't tell me there's not enough time to do something, tell me about how the hands shake, the heart beats harder, and how you can't focus yet get tunnel vision and time is no longer measureable. The poetry can work for inner monolog but not actions. This story is worth saving I just wish there was a better editor. ["

Show more

November 7, 2025 Verified Purchase

Jenette

Ahhhhh!

"How am I supposed to feel? I feel GREAT—also completely DESTROYED. This book is so good! I devoured it in a day. Isabel is SUCH a relatable character. She’s been convinced she’s a nobody—by her family, by others, and worst of all, by herself. She’s trying so hard to prove she’s enough to everyone around her. Poor girl just wants to be seen! Isn’t that such a universal experience? What’s my purpose? Who am I, really? Those are big questions—and this book handles them so well. I absolutely fell in love with the romance. It was so easy to see WHY they were together. They really SAW each other (iykyk). I loved the banter, the seriousness, and the sweet moments. Also—I’m trying to stay spoiler-free—but I just have to say: I KNEW IT. I KNEW IT. I KNEW IT. IMMEDIATELY. As soon as that royal said that one thing, the pieces clicked. Such a great twist! If you're not looking for it, you could totally miss it—but the breadcrumbs are there! Book 2 cannot come out fast enough. I’m absolutely invested. Content: Descriptive kissing, language. ["

Show more

July 5, 2025 Verified Purchase

THO

Touching theme

"For most of this book, I was rating this as a solid 3-star read in my head, but with too many flaws (slow pacing, overly dramatic writing, awkward plot) to be more. Then at the end things came together nicely and the theme of the story struck a nice chord, and I decided to gift it one more star. It’s a rather slow-paced book, so be warned about that, but I enjoyed the story. And while I mostly liked the romance, I think labeling it “Dramione-coded” was misleading. Technically Isabel and Erik are enemies, but they don’t act like it. And their dynamic doesn’t feel very Dramione. It’s a good relationship with some very touching moments, but it’s its own thing, just an FYI for anyone coming in and expecting Dramione. I'm excited for book two. I hope now that Erik and Isabel are a thing their relationship starts to feel more natural. And I hope it has as much action as the second half of the book. ["

Show more

August 26, 2024 Verified Purchase

Tiffany kee

Healing

"This is a healing book that will take you on a journey that most people are not ready for. You have PTSD, healing, and a 17 year trying to find herself. This book might not before everyone. ["

October 7, 2025 Verified Purchase

Kaitlyn M.

A big yes!!!

"Where do I even begin? I absolutely LOVED this book. Illusion was actually my most anticipated read for July because a lovely book bestie received an ARC, and she was sharing with me how wonderful and phenomenal the book was. Now, it’s one of my favorite-of not my favorite read of 2024 so far. Keep writing, Sarah! Also, please give us a happily ever after or something in the long run similar to it. Pretty please? Thanks! 🫶 I finished this book in one sitting. It was so refreshing to me as a reader. I loved the banter, the plot, the twists, and everything about it. There’s many deep emotional/mental concepts that went on during the book. These characters felt so real. And many of the underlying scenes and the consequences of some of the choices that characters made are tear-jerking, gutt-wrenching, and heartbreaking. The ending got me though! Oh my goodness. 😭😭 However, it was still a great book. I’m going to be (im)patiently waiting for the sequel because I need to know it ends. July 29, 2024: Had to do a reread because I love this book so much! Even better a second time. 💕 ["

Show more

September 1, 2024 Verified Purchase